The Presidential Election Tribunal is set to hear the petitions of aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) candidates, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi respectively regarding the outcome of the Nigerian presidential election.
The hearing has caused anxiety among supporters of both parties, as the tribunal’s decision could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s political landscape.
The two candidates are challenging the outcome of the presidential election held on February 25, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, was proclaimed the winner.
Atiku and Obi and others approached the tribunal to upturn Tinubu’s victory on the grounds of substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the conduct of the poll.
Atiku, a former vice president, who hinged his petition on five grounds, is asking the court to order the electoral body to conduct a fresh election following alleged irregularities at polling units during the presidential poll.
Atiku and his party are saying that Tinubu was declared the winner of the election when all results and accreditation data from polling units were yet to be transmitted and uploaded by INEC.
Obi, a former Anambra governor, is also alleging various irregularities in the conduct of the election, insisting that Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, were not qualified to contest.
Obi also said that Tinubu failed to win the majority of lawful votes and was unable to garner one-quarter of votes in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The reports that during the pre-hearing session today, the Court is expected to provide a full timetable for hearing the substantive petitions filed against the President-elect at the election tribunal.
Background of the Presidential Election Tribunal
The Presidential Election Tribunal is a legal body set up to adjudicate on any disputes arising from the conduct of the presidential election in Nigeria. The tribunal is made up of a panel of judges who are tasked with reviewing petitions from candidates who believe that the election was not conducted in a free and fair manner. The tribunal has the power to invalidate the election result and order a fresh election.
 What to expect from the hearing
The hearing is expected to be closely watched by Nigerians, as it will determine whether the outcome of the presidential election was legitimate. Atiku and Obi are expected to present their case, arguing that the election was rigged in favour of Tinubu. The tribunal will then review the evidence presented by both sides before reaching a decision.
It is uncertain what the outcome of the hearing will be, but both parties have expressed confidence in the strength of their case. Supporters of Atiku and Obi are anxiously awaiting the tribunal’s decision, as it will determine the future of their political aspirations.